Mary Grace Matthews

Grace Matthews, age 87, of Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 8:38 p.m.at Bickford Cottage in Peoria, IL. Grace was born to Albert and Edith (McGettigan) MacInnis on April 27, 1927 in Peoria. She married James L. Matthews on Jan. 19, 1952. He preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 1988 in Peoria. She was also preceded by her brother, Robert, son in law, Mike Fitzgibbons and her later in life partner, Norm Luebke. Grace graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in Finance. She was drawn to education and taught at St. Thomas the Apostle grade school in Peoria Heights, retiring with 33 years of service. After retirement, she taught English as a Second Language to many immigrants through the Catholic Social Services program. Grace was a voracious reader, enjoyed playing bridge, walking on Prospect Road and Grandview Drive and most of all, meeting new people. The house on Longwood Drive in Rolling Acres was always open to all. She enjoyed more than a few memories that were made there. She is survived by Kevin (Julie) Matthews of Albuquerque, NM, Lucie Fitzgibbons of Westminster, CO, Sharon (Hal) Schlicksup of Dunlap, IL and Maureen (Mark Goett) Matthews of Arvada, CO, three grandsons: Brian (Liana) Rambke of Delray Beach, FL, Matthew (Betsy) Rambke of Peoria and Lee Hoffman of Peoria. Cremation has been accorded. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements. There will be a memorial service in the Spring. Memorial contributions can be made to EPIC at 1913 W Townline Rd., Peoria, IL 61615 (formally PARC).